With inflation rising and trending toys in high demand, kid gifts can get expensive. Everything really adds up when your child gets invited to yet another birthday party or when the holidays approach. But don’t worry, I constantly stalk hot products and know a trick or two on how to save. I also crowdsource, asking parents about their best hacks for inexpensive gift ideas that their kids really love. All of this is to bring you the best toys under $10.
For even more inspo, make sure to check out this year’s Amazon Toys We Love List or the Target Top Toys Catalogue. Now that the holidays are just around the bend, it’s smart to check out toy catalogs from big retailers to see what’s popular and what will hopefully be on sale.
Ahead, check out the best toys under $10 for for toddlers and big kids that you can easily get at Walmart or Five Below. Plus, learn how to get a Squishmallow for just over $5!
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Squishmallows Sea Life Squad Nabila the Narwhal: $5.95 at Five Below
These ultrasoft pillow-like stuffed animals are all the rage (Five Below, $5.95). There’s always a great assortment in store and at this price, you’ll want to get one for every kid on your gift list. Squishmallows typically start around $12 at Target and Walmart. These varieties are just a little smaller at 7.5 inches, versus 10 or 14 inches. Note that you can only buy two per order.
Lego Marvel Iron Man Mech Armor Building Kit: $9.97 at Walmart
If you buy a toy, book, game, or shirt with a beloved character’s face on it, there’s a strong chance they’ll love it. Take this Marvel Avengers kit, for example (Walmart, $9.97). Honestly, it’s hard to find Lego for less than $10, so we know this one’s a steal. And this toy doubles its value since it’s an activity your kid can play with over and over again once it’s built.
Related: Amazon Lego sets are 20% off on Amazon right now.
LOL Surprise Glitter Color Change Lil Sis with 5 Surprises: $5.99 at Target
For the YouTube generation who loves to watch kids unbox surprise toys, these LOL Surprise dolls (Target, $5.99) are a big hit. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about which one to pick because they’re always a surprise. Plus, they cost $6. Some other versions of LOL Surprise toys run into the $20 – $30 range.
Abesee 4-Pack Rainbow Pop Fidget Toys: $7 at Amazon
Fidget toys are popular for toddlers all the way through adults. If you haven’t seen them before, it’s like popping never-ending bubble wrap but in fun shapes and colors. We like this set (Amazon, $7) because you get four pop toys for under $10. They come in other fun shapes like desserts or bracelets, but price varies by set.
Heroes of Goo Jit Zu Marvel Mega Mini 6-Pack: $19.99 at Amazon
When you break down the math, this set (Amazon, $19.99) averages out to $3.33 per toy. Thanks to this breakdown, they got on the list under a technicality. Broken up into individual items, these make great stocking stuffers or party favors for a larger group of kids.
Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks with Storage Bucket: $9.97 at Walmart
Here’s a great option for baby’s first birthday (Walmart, $9.97). It’s colorful and developmentally appropriate. But perhaps most important to budget-minded folks, inexpensive. Save $1 when you buy it at Walmart instead of Target.
School Friends Winton & Bluey 2-Pack Figures with Accessories: $9.97 at Walmart
Bluey is wildly popular with preschoolers (and their parents). This little character set (Walmart, $9.97) is great for pretend play at home or on the go. For this price, you could buy one for a birthday and another set of Bluey characters for the holidays.
Related: Top Target Toys
Uno
Uno ($5.99 at Walmart) might not be the newest game on the block, but honestly, it’s a fan favorite. It never fails to bring the fun on game night or road trips. Plus, we like the educational value. The game can help toddlers recognize shapes and colors. According to our doctor friends, card games in general help with family bonding along with social and cognitive development.
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy: $9.99 at Walmart
This award-winning toy (Walmart, $9.99) is great for babies and toddlers. It’s easy to grab, features dancing lights in fun colors, and best of all, makes baby dance. Save $1 when you buy it at Walmart as opposed to Amazon.
Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack Sleeve Infant Stacking Toy: $7.99 at Target
Babies and toddlers love this classic stacking ring toy (Target, $7.99). It’s super simple, but it can help build fine motor skills and teach baby about colors and size. It’s also a smart choice for your wallet, especially when you get 5% off with your Target RedCard.
Related: The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds
Bright Starts Sesame Street Jingle & Shake Elmo BPA-free Easy Grasp Baby Rattle: $6.47 at Walmart
This little Elmo rattle (Walmart, $6.47) is easy for small hands to grasp and fun to dance along with. It also comes in other Disney characters and animal shapes at a similar price. Babies will get a lot of their wiggles out thanks to this low-cost toy.
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